Approximate yardage estimates for common furniture pieces — useful for budgeting before your consultation.
One of the trickiest parts of budgeting for reupholstery is fabric quantity. Fabric is usually the single biggest line item, and yardage varies dramatically by piece type. Here are working estimates based on 45 years of cutting fabric for real projects.
| Piece | Plain fabric | Patterned (with matching) |
|---|---|---|
| Single dining chair seat | 0.75–1.25 yd | 1.25–1.75 yd |
| Dining chair with upholstered back | 2–3 yd | 3–4 yd |
| Bench (small entryway, 36") | 2–3 yd | 3–4.5 yd |
| Ottoman (round or square) | 2.5–4 yd | 4–6 yd |
| Wingback chair | 5–7 yd | 7–9 yd |
| Slipper chair / armless | 3–5 yd | 5–6.5 yd |
| Club chair / Bergère | 6–8 yd | 8–11 yd |
| Loveseat | 9–12 yd | 13–16 yd |
| Standard 7-foot sofa | 12–16 yd | 16–22 yd |
| Sectional (3-piece L) | 22–30 yd | 28–38 yd |
| Sectional (large U) | 30–40 yd | 38–50 yd |
| Daybed | 14–18 yd | 18–24 yd |
| Headboard (queen) | 4–7 yd | 6–9 yd |
| Headboard (king) | 5–9 yd | 8–12 yd |
To estimate fabric cost for a project, multiply your estimated yardage by the per-yard price:
| Fabric grade | Price per yard | Example: 14-yd sofa |
|---|---|---|
| Budget polyester / cotton blend | $25–$45 | $350–$630 |
| Mid-grade performance | $45–$75 | $630–$1,050 |
| Premium performance velvet | $75–$125 | $1,050–$1,750 |
| Luxury / designer | $125–$250+ | $1,750–$3,500+ |
| Leather (top-grain) | $200–$400+ | ($2,800–$5,600 for 100 sq ft) |
Detailed cost breakdown for reupholstering a sofa in the Reno-Tahoe region — labor, fabric, fills, hardware, and what affects total price.
PricingHow much it costs to reupholster dining chairs — seat-only vs. full reupholstery, by quantity, fabric choices, and budget tips.
PricingWhat it costs to properly restore antique upholstered furniture — period-correct vs. sympathetic restoration, by piece type and complexity.